Remember the movie the “Terminator” with good ol’ Arnold Schwartzenager?The premise was that machines were going to take over the world.Welcome to the real world 2017 where technology is taking over mankind.Not by way of Cyborgs (YET) but through handheld devices, computers, and gaming systems.We are at a crossroads of the destiny of mankind at this very moment.Our children’s welfare and future depend on the choices we are making right now.

Most Baby Boomers could take or leave the technology that is consuming our children and grandchildren.We remember the days before this time in history, when we made awesome memories based on our incredible imaginations, which grew bigger and more fantastic every day.Anything was possible.We were living life to the fullest, taking in the world around us, having adventures, and making cool stuff with our hands.If anyone had a problem with us they said it to our face and it somehow got sorted out.

These days we look around us and shake our heads because so much is being lost.Our children and grandchildren are being turned into little addicted zombies.Children are being occupied and soothed with not just television but also by having multimedia devices shoved at them when they get wiggly, complain, or ask too many questions. It’s like “Here you, Hazel, go play with mommy’s phone.” And the child is three years old or younger.It is hard to watch childrearing being conducted with very little interaction. Many families spend their evenings and weekends with everyone playing on some kind of electronic device, barely acknowledging each other.

When my kids were growing up (in the 90’s), we spent the evenings talking about our day’s events, playing board games, making crafts, reading books, and even playing imagination games with dolls or toy cars, etc.Kids under ten nowadays are focused on mindless electronic games, wasting away hours staring at a digital screen.Today’s teenager is obsessed with social media – what people are saying or not saying to them or whether someone “liked” their status.Self-love and confidence has been replaced by “selfies” and selfishness.These poor kids spend so much time with their brains locked into what is going on inside their phones that they do not know how to successfully navigate through basic life situations.They are even losing their capability to appropriately communicate, interact or even naturally emote. I suppose emojie’s can help!

In the earlier days of cell phones, maybe ten years ago, it was considered rude for people to talk or text on their phones while in the company of others.Today, things are different.I almost find myself apologizing if I am out to lunch chatting with a friend and they have a call or text come in. “Oh, sorry – go ahead and get that.” I’ll say, as though it must automatically be very important. I mean, that smartphone doesn’t just beep for nothing, right. And then they will completely check out from our real-time conversation to become absorbed by the phone.I am cool with that when it is an anticipated call or text, or something of importance.But for a “Hi, how ya doing?” and “Yeah, I’m just out to lunch with a friend.” ?Come on, people.Really?

Sadly, our brains are being rewired by the buzz we get from constant stimulation and validation. You can have an interesting time watching people for about 5 or 10 minutes and observing how often they look to their phones for comfort. They are checking for text messages or Facebook and Instagram likes. Looking for acceptance by their 300 “friends” and their elusive self-esteem. The truth is social media does have. some positive aspects, but in many ways it can be a real downer. If people do not like or comment on posts and pictures a person may feel rejected and depressed. Not receiving responses to text messages easily does the same. We are a society reliant on the input from other people, and the stimulus of nonsensical games and apps. The stimulation our brains receive can be as addicting as drugs.

So, if you think the “Terminator” was too farfetched, consider this: According to a recent news report, Disney has a purchase order in for an untold number of humanlike androids, which will roam their parks and interact with guests sometime in the near future.I tried to find more information about this on the internet but was unsuccessful.However, a scary little chill went down my spine when I saw the report last week on the news. “Haste la vista, baby.”

A far cry from the “Greatest Generation.” From Fox News: Millennials have found a new way to sabotage relationships. “Cushioning” is a newly coined dating term wherein a partner in a monogamous relationship still flirts with other people — so if their main relationship goes kaput, there’s a backup ready. “I was seeing someone for a […]

Remember the movie the “Terminator” with good ol’ Arnold Schwartzenager?The premise was that machines were going to take over the world.Welcome to the real world 2017 where technology is taking over mankind.Not by way of Cyborgs (YET) but through handheld devices, computers, and gaming systems.We are at a crossroads of the destiny of mankind at this very moment.Our children’s welfare and future depend on the choices we are making right now.

Most Baby Boomers could take or leave the technology that is consuming our children and grandchildren.We remember the days before this time in history, when we made awesome memories based on our incredible imaginations, which grew bigger and more fantastic every day.Anything was possible.We were living life to the fullest, taking in the world around us, having adventures, and making cool stuff with our hands.If anyone had a problem with us they said it to our face and it somehow got sorted out.

These days we look around us and shake our heads because so much is being lost.Our children and grandchildren are being turned into little addicted zombies.Children are being occupied and soothed with not just television but also by having multimedia devices shoved at them when they get wiggly, complain, or ask too many questions. It’s like “Here you, Hazel, go play with mommy’s phone.” And the child is three years old or younger.It is hard to watch childrearing being conducted with very little interaction. Many families spend their evenings and weekends with everyone playing on some kind of electronic device, barely acknowledging each other.

When my kids were growing up (in the 90’s), we spent the evenings talking about our day’s events, playing board games, making crafts, reading books, and even playing imagination games with dolls or toy cars, etc.Kids under ten nowadays are focused on mindless electronic games, wasting away hours staring at a digital screen.Today’s teenager is obsessed with social media – what people are saying or not saying to them or whether someone “liked” their status.Self-love and confidence has been replaced by “selfies” and selfishness.These poor kids spend so much time with their brains locked into what is going on inside their phones that they do not know how to successfully navigate through basic life situations.They are even losing their capability to appropriately communicate, interact or even naturally emote. I suppose emojie’s can help!

In the earlier days of cell phones, maybe ten years ago, it was considered rude for people to talk or text on their phones while in the company of others.Today, things are different.I almost find myself apologizing if I am out to lunch chatting with a friend and they have a call or text come in. “Oh, sorry – go ahead and get that.” I’ll say, as though it must automatically be very important. I mean, that smartphone doesn’t just beep for nothing, right. And then they will completely check out from our real-time conversation to become absorbed by the phone.I am cool with that when it is an anticipated call or text, or something of importance.But for a “Hi, how ya doing?” and “Yeah, I’m just out to lunch with a friend.” ?Come on, people.Really?

Sadly, our brains are being rewired by the buzz we get from constant stimulation and validation. You can have an interesting time watching people for about 5 or 10 minutes and observing how often they look to their phones for comfort. They are checking for text messages or Facebook and Instagram likes. Looking for acceptance by their 300 “friends” and their elusive self-esteem. The truth is social media does have. some positive aspects, but in many ways it can be a real downer. If people do not like or comment on posts and pictures a person may feel rejected and depressed. Not receiving responses to text messages easily does the same. We are a society reliant on the input from other people, and the stimulus of nonsensical games and apps. The stimulation our brains receive can be as addicting as drugs.

So, if you think the “Terminator” movie was too farfetched, consider this: According to a recent news report, Disney has a purchase order in for an untold number of humanlike androids, which will roam their parks and interact with guests sometime in the near future.I tried to find more information about this on the internet but was unsuccessful.However, a scary little chill went down my spine when I saw the report last week on the news. “Haste la vista, baby.”

Saying goodbye to friends can be a very difficult thing to do. Most often we disconnect from friends because of geographical moves. As a child, I grew up losing friends all the time because my father was in the military. It became second nature to me in a sad, but oddly freeing way. We moved all over the world when I was growing up. We never lived anywhere longer than three years. It was this way until my father retired from the military when I was 18. So, obviously, I never stayed anywhere long enough to get to know and develop forever friendships. Long term friends were alien, yet very appealing, to me.

I wasn’t always unhappy about moving around because my life, during those years, also had a secret door. An escape hatch, so to speak. I never had to feel bound to anything, anyone, or anyplace. So, if the frienship train jumped the track, with whomever I was investing my energy and emotions, I was safe. I would not be there for long. There was no need to feel too upset. Soon I would get a new start.

Everywhere I traveled, in those early years, were other “drifters” just like me, but also kids from the local area. These locals had been born and raised with their friends and they held strong bonds to each other. I, on the other hand, had no ties but those to my parents. When I came rolling into a new town I was already with my best friends – Mom and Dad. They were my life raft in the sea of the unknown. Since I was an only child, my parents were my world. Home was my sanctuary. Still, the neighborhood children drew me to windows of wonder and desire to be a part of their world, too. Which eventually I would, for a while.

The idea of being friends with a person or a group of people for a long period of time, even a lifetime, is something that has burned in soul my entire adult life. I often observe others with their close, longtime friends in awe. That easy camaraderie, the inside jokes, knowing looks and the “no-matter-what” kinship was what I wanted to experience, too.

However, the friendships of my dreams have failed to manifest. Patterns have emerged from the dust of my past and followed me through adulthood. I am stuck in the ebb and flow cycle of “take it or leave it” friendships. It’s like reading the same series of books over and over, only there never is a happy ending, there is only the continuing quest for success. Three primary issues have worked against me in my quest of achieving the friendships I so coveted:

1) Penchant for Solitude – Introversion is probably the biggest mountain I climb daily to achieving what my heart most desires. Introversion goes way beyond being a little shy. According to the world of psychology, introversion is a trait you are born with. It does not mean an introverted person is unfriendly, but that we are often anxious or uncomfortable to a varying degree in social situations. We find social interaction taxing and often have to recharge after hanging out with friends or going to parties.

2) Zero Siblings – While some might think the lack of siblings would be wonderful fairytale world to live in – much is missed out on. Having siblings to pick on and to be picked on by has got to be one of the best ways to prepare us for the cruel world that exists beyond the comfort of our family unit. To navigate life without the interactions with siblings is a loss. No matter how awful they can be sometimes, those cursed brothers toughen your hide. Those jerky sisters help you build up an emotional callous and sharpen your comeback skills. I grew up without a brother or sister calling me names, pinching or punching me, or eating MY donut. Alas, I am too soft-hearted – the weakling in the herd.

3) Lack of Social Talent – By this I mean not having the social toolbox available to draw upon in various social situations. I am pretty down to earth and do not have the desire or skill to participate in put-downs, slams, or snarky conversations. This could be an end product of 1 and 2 above, combined with the lack of opportunity to grow up in one location over the expanse of an entire childhood. My idea of being a good friend is being kind, listening, and sharing what is going on in our lives. To me that doesn’t seem unreasonable. But some groups of people do not trust those who are more reserved and polite. If you can’t dish it out as good as they can give it – your pecking order drops.

In reflection, I wonder if I am more “alright” than I have given myself credit. Yes, I have a rough history with friendships. But truth be told, most of the people I have invested my time and energy in have not been deserving of the kind of friendship I was willing to bring to the table. I have been betrayed by my “friends” time and again. But do I only have myself to blame? My biggest failure has been to give my trust too completely. In return, I have received lies, back stabbing, and disrespect of my feelings.

However, I have not been desperate in keeping toxic friends. Make no mistake. What I build in friendship, I easily relinquish in relief, thanks to my upbringing. I see now that it is a failsafe mechanism built into my nature to protect myself. While I will continue to enjoy friendships, I will no longer beat myself up if it does not last forever. I know I am a good person, a quality friend. Endings are often opportunities for new beginnings. Onward!

What would the world be like if there were no conflict?Could we ever imagine such a thing?Many believe that we are coming to this time on earth very soon.It is called the Age of Aquarius.What is the Age of Aquarius about?According to the information I have read, the Age of Aquarius occurs about every 2000 years.It is a period when we will experience the joys of a world where honesty and peace are the rule, not the exception.Everyone will be cared for, respected, and differences are celebrated in this time.The whole world will be united in common goals, shared wisdom, and spiritual ideals.

Sounds like a dream come true!

How does this come into being?In the astrological world, each astrological age last for approximately 2000 years.The sun moves slowly through each zodiac sign and during each age we experience the world around us as through a “colored filter” that affects our reality.

For example, during the past 2000 years or so, we have been in the Age of Pisces.

That means that everything we’ve been through has been colored by the influences of the of the Fish sign, which has created an age of:

·religion

·superstition

·blind belief

·instinct

·impracticality

·unlimited personal potentials

·movement toward mysticism and transcendence

·beginning to see a bigger picture than home/family/work

·growing awareness of interdependency and global connection

·following desires rather than logic

·dualism — split between material life and spiritual experience, between mind and heart

·altruism and gentleness (this is why Buddha, Mohammed, and Jesus were all prophets in this age, offering a message of peace and caring for the poor)

·living in a fantasy world of our own imagination (ie, denial, addiction, and escapism)

Now we are leaving the Age of Pisces and slowly move into Aquarius. There is no consensus as to the EXACT year, month, and day that this starts to happen.The universe does not operate on the imagined time management system of human beings.There are no calendars or clocks to answer to in the mystical realm.So, the beginning and ending of each astrological age can only be estimated.

But according to many astrologers the Age of Aquarius began sometime in the 20th century.Remember change takes time, we have 2000 years to evolve through this new age.I am hopeful that I will see more of the positive effects of Aquarius before I leave this earth.

The following is a list of qualities of the Aquarian Age:

·idealism

·solidarity and fellowship

·kindness and compassion

·philanthropy and altruism

·spiritual awareness

·revelation of Truth

·equality

·democracy

·freedom

·peace

·love

·equanimity

·modernization

·rebels and rebellion

·nonconformity

·perseverance

·computerization

·ﬂying

As you can see, Aquarius has the potential to have both positive and negative implications.Perhaps the outcomes will depend on the actions of free will human beings.Then again, many people will not even consider this as a real occurrence.Life is what it is – put the mumbo jumbo in the corner!Either way – it doesn’t matter.Those who do believe in the mumbo jumbo of a mystical universe will observe and consciously reap the benefits of the changing world.Enjoy!

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we experience an “Aha” moment that changes us forever. We suddenly awaken to something that we never realized before, until that moment. Or we discover that something we believed in so completely was not true at all. This can be true of just about anything from the real reason our dog behaves a certain way, to the moment we see our relationships for what they really are – be it true love, a deep friendship or nothing at all – the list goes on and on. Moments of awakening and seeing truth that has been staring us in the face can affect us as minor shocks to the senses, crushing blows, or entire spiritual events. No matter the magnitude or ramifications, what is learned is precious to our growth in this world. If we are lucky, we receive many awakenings throughout our lives.

I recently experienced an awakening when I realized that some friends I had invested many years of my emotional sanity on were not truly friends at all. The full realization struck me one night with such force that I thought I would shatter into the universe, never to be whole again. My senses seemed to be fine-tuned that night. I noticed the sly looks, smirks, and inside jokes that I was excluded from understanding. It seemed so vibrantly obvious, as though the universe was yelling “Hey, wake up. Pay attention to what is happening!” These were no friends of mine and I was completely crushed that somehow, they had felt so comfortable with making me feel uncomfortable in their company. But the truth was, the signs had been there way before that night. As with all “Aha” moments, the information is already there for us to acknowledge. We just have to become aware enough of ourselves and our environment in order to catch on.

Moments of awakening can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as I said before. Defining them here would be pointless because each of us are living our individual life experiences. One person’s awakening will be meaningless to another who is either not ready for that information, already has the knowledge naturally, has previously experienced that awakening, or it simply does not apply to them. What is important is to know how to be receptive and accepting of these life changing realizations. The following can help you in finding more “Aha” moments in your life:

DO

Live in the present moment

Pay attention to the people around you

Question the world around you

Research the things that interest you

Be aware of yourself (thoughts & feelings)

Be open to change

Live your dreams

Realize you can change your thoughts

Try new experiences with an open mind

Learn and read as much as you can

Live in gratitude of what you have

DON’T

Worry about the past or future

Live on autopilot

Take everything at face value

Think your beliefs are indisputable

Disregard your intuition

Reject new ideas or opportunities

Merely survive each passing day

Believe you have no control

Think you are too old to learn

Harbor regrets over past choices

Overindulge in purposeless activities

This is only a starting point. And the point is that awareness is key. Living purposely and consciously can make all the difference in the world as to whether you are creating a full life experience or merely existing. Keep your eyes and mind wide open, and let me know about your “Aha” moments!!